Amex discounts

[Queen of Oakville]

I was asking questions about this on another thread, but thought I would start a new discussion, and hopefully get more feedback.

I've read that you can get a discount at the city walk restaurants (and some shops?) by using your AMEX. Unfortunately, my AMEX is a CAD card, and I only use my USD visa in the states. Doesn't make sense to charge to a CAD card (pay a premium) when I have USD available.

I was emailing AMEX complaining that they do not offer a USD credit card. They suggested that I use traveller's cheques. Before I go through the hassle of buying traveller's cheques, wondering if anyone has had success getting a discount using AMEX traveller's cheques?

 

[elaine amj]

Do u have a caa card?my understanding is that it offers similar discounts.

If u have an AP, try that.

Or use your US visa to buy a prepaid amex.

 

[HM]

Are you a CAA member? I think they get the same discounts.

I used my Amex last trip and some restaurants took it while others didn't. You need to spend $50 in stores to get the discount.

 

[Queen of Oakville]

No CAA and no AP.

Where does one buy a pre-paid AMEX? Can I buy it in the park?

 

[elaine amj]

You can go to most stores (like a CVS or Walgreens I think) and you should be able to buy them there with your US Visa. There is usually a small surcharge. Although - wait a minute, I think many drugstores now don't allow you to buy a prepaid card with a credit card.

If you have a US shipping address, I have bought online in the past. https://www311.americanexpress.com/...ink=us-giftcard-consumerblueselect-carddesign There was a surcharge though - $3.95 for $100 gift card.

It's tough for us Canadians.

Not sure if Universal restaurants will even accept traveller's cheques?

It might still be worth it to get a 10% discount and pay 2-3% in foreign transaction fees. The only thing is you will be paying in Cdn and the exchange rate isn't so hot right now. Still, if you're going to end up exchanging Canadian to US to pay for your trip anyway...

I have a stash of US dollars but just opted to convert most to Cdn because the exchange rate is too darn good not to. I'm hoping that by the time the last of my stash runs out, the Cdn dollar will strengthen and I will be able to exchange a bunch of Cdn to USD again. Complicated, isn't it?

 

[Queen of Oakville]

You can go to most stores (like a CVS or Walgreens I think) and you should be able to buy them there with your US Visa. There is usually a small surcharge. Although - wait a minute, I think many drugstores now don't allow you to buy a prepaid card with a credit card.

If you have a US shipping address, I have bought online in the past. https://www311.americanexpress.com/...ink=us-giftcard-consumerblueselect-carddesign There was a surcharge though - $3.95 for $100 gift card.

It's tough for us Canadians.

Not sure if Universal restaurants will even accept traveller's cheques?

It might still be worth it to get a 10% discount and pay 2-3% in foreign transaction fees. The only thing is you will be paying in Cdn and the exchange rate isn't so hot right now. Still, if you're going to end up exchanging Canadian to US to pay for your trip anyway...

I have a stash of US dollars but just opted to convert most to Cdn because the exchange rate is too darn good not to. I'm hoping that by the time the last of my stash runs out, the Cdn dollar will strengthen and I will be able to exchange a bunch of Cdn to USD again. Complicated, isn't it?

Yep, that's the problem. I have US funds right now. so when I charge to my USD credit card, I just pay it off with my usd funds.

Saving the 10% would be offset by the current exchange rates, of which AMEX will add to that somewhere in the area of 2.5% (I think).

*sigh*

From what I read at the US website, it is clear that it needs to be a AMEX credit card. We don't have a car so I'm not sure how I would get to the a CVS or walgreens. We purchased our trip through Universal and booked their airport transfers. I need to call and get that arranged tomorrow. The rep said I can ask them about making a grocery stop. I would not mind stopping somewhere to pick up bottled water. I might get them to stop instead at a CVS or walgreens.

 

[CyndiLooWho]

You can get bottled water, snacks, and limited groceries (milk, cereal, juice, crackers, etc) at CVS / Walgreens.

And you can buy Amex gift cards at Kroger / Frys and other grocery stores.

 

[macraven]

You can go to most stores (like a CVS or Walgreens I think) and you should be able to buy them there with your US Visa. There is usually a small surcharge. Although - wait a minute, I think many drugstores now don't allow you to buy a prepaid card with a credit card.

If you have a US shipping address, I have bought online in the past. https://www311.americanexpress.com/...ink=us-giftcard-consumerblueselect-carddesign There was a surcharge though - $3.95 for $100 gift card.

It's tough for us Canadians.

Not sure if Universal restaurants will even accept traveller's cheques?

It might still be worth it to get a 10% discount and pay 2-3% in foreign transaction fees. The only thing is you will be paying in Cdn and the exchange rate isn't so hot right now. Still, if you're going to end up exchanging Canadian to US to pay for your trip anyway...

I have a stash of US dollars but just opted to convert most to Cdn because the exchange rate is too darn good not to. I'm hoping that by the time the last of my stash runs out, the Cdn dollar will strengthen and I will be able to exchange a bunch of Cdn to USD again. Complicated, isn't it?

i have used travelers checks many times at the darkside, hotel and parks.

 

[Queen of Oakville]

i have used travelers checks many times at the darkside, hotel and parks.

Were they AMEX and did you get the discount?